Apocalypse 7:2-4,9-14; Psalm 23(24); 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a

Theme: The Fruit of Finishing the Race of Sanctification

As we honour the merits of the souls of men and women in the triumphant church in God’s Kingdom, first we must praise the name of our Lord Jesus, who has marked us with the sign of faith, identifying us as citizens of heaven, and preparing us through the sanctifying actions of the Church to become like Him and capable of seeing Him after our ascent to His holy mountain.

Secondly, like the blessed men and women who sacrificed so much to be holy on earth, sought in prayer to be one with the Lord, and defended their faith even through the shedding of their blood in service to others and God, we are called to strive to be fully reconciled in faith to the Lord in word and deed, in truth and spirit.

Thirdly, as St John states in today’s first and second readings, the reconciled who hope to be clothed in a white robe and rewarded with eternal blessings must not only ascend the mountain of the Lord with clean hands and pure hearts, but also endeavour to respond to and work with grace, striving to become and aiding others to become friends of the Lord through their services.

Therefore, we must make every effort to transcend the attractions and pursuits of the former self characterised by drunkenness, lustfulness, opulence, and grandiosity, along with similar tendencies, as these will impede our progress up the rough mountains of the Lord and our passage through the narrow door of faith.

In other words, our task is to be flexible, not rigid; open to the Spirit and not close-minded; for He helps to transform the inner self and teaches how to express and share the Lord’s power of self-surrender, willingness to renew, calmness that overcomes difficulties, divine satisfaction, kindness, a right-living attitude, a peace-giving spirit, and suffering for God's glory.

Yes, these virtuous branches of the Beatitudes, acquired after years of practice, will gradually but undoubtedly transform the inner self, shaping our character, attitudes, reactions to challenges, and our pursuit of joy and happiness. And so, although becoming true friends and saints of God is not easy, failing to perform our daily tasks with the utmost attitude of love would forfeit the gift of becoming and collaborating with the saints. So, let us invite the saints to help us nurture, defend, and bear the fruits of living in Christ until the very end of our race on earth.